Tolerance: Hippie lesson applies to gays

Way back in my younger days I used to rant and rave about the hippies. Their manner of dress, hair style and appearance really bothered me. I was, one evening, sitting in bar having a cool one with a friend and bitching as usual. He took a drink of beer and said, “Roy I can’t understand why hippies should bothers you so much because it doesn’t bother me in the least what they do because I could care less even if they wear lace on their panties.”

That remark suddenly put a lot in perspective for me. These people were living the life they wanted and it wasn’t affecting me in the least unless I allowed it to do so. They were not even aware of any problem that I had with them.

I assume that is the same with gays and lesbians. I understand that the divorce rate among “normal” people is approaching 50 percent so why should we begrudge any couple (regardless of sexual orientation) the right to be happy? I don’t recall ever seeing these couples (if I even realized they were a couple) kissing and hugging in public places although I have often seen “normal” people virtually coupling in those places.

It is not the homosexuals that produce thousands of babies each year that are unwanted throw away kids which we (the general population) will support on welfare virtually from conception to the resurrection, but when we hear of homosexual couples that desire to adopt and give loving care and support to some of these children we take to the streets with the tar and feathers.

I am a heterosexual male more than 80 years of age and have been around the block a few times. During my life I have never had a homosexual try to change my sexual orientation. After all of this time I realize that I don’t really care what they do as long as they don’t do it on the golf course and slow play.

Roy V. Owen

Oak Harbor

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